Real Madrid would love to sign Pogba: Raul

Madrid, July 13 (IANS) Spain and Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez believes his former football club would love to sign French midfield sensation Paul Pogba, who has been heavily linked with a move out of Serie A giants Juventus.

Raul, who is a keen follower of the 23-year-old, said he will boost the Real attack if they shell out Juventus’ reported asking price of around $130 million.

Pogba is the most highly coveted footballer in Europe at the moment, with Manchester United looking to seal his return, while Spanish giants Real Madrid are also interested in signing him.

He left United for free in 2012 to join Juventus, where he has blossomed into a star. United are rumoured to have offered 13 million pounds ($16.8 million) per season to lure Pogba.

Pogba made 48 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this past season, helping the club clinch a Serie A and Coppa Italia double.

“Pogba is a player that Madrid would love to have — as would any team,” Raul was quoted as saying by AS on Wednesday.

“He has a great physical presence. Pogba is an excellent player and I am sure that the coach will have studied on how he can improve the current team and style of play, he added.

“But it will be a question of looking at factors such as price and general conditions.”

Raul also admitted he was a little surprised to see Zinedine Zidane as the coach of Real Madrid but added the Frenchman has impressed him with the progress he has made in the last few months.

“I just didn’t see him as a coach when we played together, but he’s since worked in different areas of the club, spent some time working with (Carlo) Ancelotti and was then given the opportunity to oversee Castilla so I guess it was always something that he had inside,” he said.

“I also feel that since he’s been with the first team he is growing constantly as a coach.”

“The key to his success? Having faith in his players and getting them to believe in themselves.”